Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) brings up a whole set of challenges that can make daily life more complex and difficult. In Canada, about 5.4% of youth aged 1-24 have ADHD. Parents often worry about their child’s future, having a persistent question in their mind, “Can their child ever be able to live a normal life?”
Although ADHD is a chronic condition that can’t be cured, once the condition is recognized, it is comparatively easier to manage than other disorders. The early intervention proves to be a boon and can help lessen symptoms and reduce the impact of ADHD on daily functioning.
The standard treatments to manage ADHD symptoms typically include medication, skill training, psychological counseling, and therapies. Experts agree that combining these approaches is the most effective way to treat ADHD. You may have seen someone with ADHD struggling with their daily tasks, but it is difficult even to imagine what they are actually going through. So, this blog will be all about understanding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), its symptoms, effects, and possible treatments to help manage the condition better.
What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurological condition that affects individuals’ daily functioning and development. The condition is characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention (not able to focus), hyperactivity (excessive physical activity and a lack of self-control), and impulsivity (hasty actions that occur without thought). All these symptoms together make it difficult for individuals with ADHD to concentrate, control impulses, and manage energy levels.
The ADHD symptoms may present themselves differently, with boys (7.9%) diagnosed more often than girls (2.7%) due to these differences in symptom presentation. Meanwhile, adults are less likely to be hyperactive than children. Below, we have listed down symptoms of ADHD in Children, teenagers, and adults.
ADHD in Children and Teenagers
The main symptoms of ADHD in kids include the following:
- Short attention span
- Making mistakes more often
- Being forgetful or losing things
- Unable to concentrate on prolonged tasks
- Difficulty listening or understanding instructions
- Frequently changing activities
- Difficulty organising tasks
- Unable to sit still for a long time
- Excessive physical movement or talking
- Unable to wait for their turns
- Acting impulsively or recklessly
- Not concentrating on conversations
It is noteworthy that many children often go through many phases in their growth journey, where they can’t concentrate or feel restless. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have ADHD. But if you continue to notice your child’s behavior, it is best to talk to the specialist and get an ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD in Adults
Although it is less likely to develop ADHD as an adult, symptoms may go unnoticed in childhood. While some kids overcome ADHD symptoms with growth, others continue to have them throughout their lives. The symptoms of ADHD in adults include:
- Difficulty being focused or paying attention
- Easily distracted by things or people around
- Daydreaming or zoning out.
- Struggling to concentrate on tasks
- Lack of attention to detail
- Poor listening skills
- Being forgetful or losing things more often
- Quickly getting bored
- Mood swings, impatience, and irritability
If you have an undiagnosed ADHD as an adult, you may struggle with carrying out daily activities while unaware of the condition. You might find yourself stressed out, have problems at work, with money, or even in relationships.
How Does ADHD Affect Different Aspects of Daily Life?
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, the chances of mental health issues increase significantly. These include anxiety, depression, sleep problems, conduct disorder, and many others. Here’s how ADHD can impact an individual’s daily life:
Compulsive Eating
The most significant struggle of having ADHD is not being able to set limits on behaviour. People with ADHD often find themselves grappling with impulsive urges, particularly around food, leading to patterns of compulsive eating.
ADHD often lowers the levels of dopamine (a hormone directly connected to the brain’s pleasure center). Food can temporarily raise dopamine levels and get that good feeling again, and you end up eating compulsively.
Anxiety and Depression
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. They always have something going on in their conscious mind, which keeps them living their life normally. About 50% of adults with ADHD have an anxiety disorder. With the right support and therapies, managing depression and anxiety becomes easier.
Chronic Stress
Managing ADHD symptoms can be stressful and can raise your stress level quickly. Over time, this can lead to other issues like
- Breathing problems
- Heart issues
- Trouble controlling your blood sugar
- Digestion issues
- Muscle tension and pain
- Sleep Problems
Furthermore, the condition can raise the problem of sleep apnea, snoring, and restless leg syndrome (an urge to move your legs even while resting). It can also affect your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), meaning your sleep gets out of sync with the natural rising and setting of the sun. This can affect your sleep pattern.
Problems at the Workplace
What does a company expect from its employees? To be organized, focused, on time, attentive, and do the given work in the stipulated time. But people with ADHD may find it challenging to do this all. As a result, you might not be able to live up to your employer’s expectations and may struggle to keep up with the job or find a new one.
Impulsive Spending
As mentioned above, individuals with ADHD struggle to set limits on behaviour, and it can affect their pockets. They want to boost their “feel-good” hormones, but that comes with a price tag. They might overspend sometimes and find themselves with a drained bank account from all of their unplanned spending.
Financial Issues
With struggling to keep up with a job and the habit of overspending, the chances of a financial crunch increase significantly. While these challenges can feel overwhelming, strategies like automated payments, financial coaching, ADHD-friendly budgeting tools, and structured spending limits can significantly improve financial stability for those with ADHD.
Screen Addiction
Undoubtedly, ADHD directly affects the ability to keep focused. However, when it comes to smartphones, video games, and TV sets, your attention might get hooked by the constant change of images, graphics, and characters. Your brain craves more screen time, making it hard to tear yourself away.
Relationship Problems
It is common for individuals with ADHD to struggle with their relationships, especially if they aren’t treating their symptoms. Your partner might always have complaints about forgetfulness or lack of focus. Studies show that adults with ADHD report lower marital satisfaction compared to their peers.
Emotional Outbursts
ADHD can directly impact your brain’s ability to respond to things. You could lash out in annoyance or explode in anger, or experience impatience. At the same time, people with ADHD worry a lot over minor things.
What Are the Common Coping Strategies for ADHD?
Living with ADHD can make daily tasks feel hard, but there are easy strategies and ways to help you stay on track. These tips can make life smoother by improving focus, organization, and well-being.
Prioritize Physical and Mental Health
Your physical and mental health are super important when you have ADHD. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep, eating healthy foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and exercising for 30 minutes most days can help. Activities like walking or yoga can lower stress, lift your mood, and make ADHD symptoms easier to handle. A healthy body supports a clearer mind.
Create a Daily Routine
A simple routine keeps you organized. Set fixed times for waking up, eating, working, exercising, and sleeping. For example, have breakfast at 8 AM and bedtime at 10 PM. Use a notebook or phone app to list tasks. Following a schedule helps you manage time better and feel less overwhelmed.
Handle Time Challenges
ADHD can make it hard to judge how long tasks take, leading to missed deadlines. Try using timers with loud sounds or bright colors to stay focused. Apps like Todoist or alarms on your phone can remind you of tasks. Experiment to find tools that catch your attention and keep you on schedule.
Get Help from Experts
Talking to a professional, like a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist, can help a lot. They understand your struggles and can teach you specific ways to stay organized, manage impulses, or focus better.
Socialize with Others
You’re not alone with ADHD. Share your feelings with family, friends, or coworkers for support. Joining ADHD support groups, either in person or online, lets you swap tips and feel understood. In Canada, communities like CADDAC offer resources and forums to build connections.
What Therapies and Treatments are Available for ADHD?
Although there is no cure for ADHD in medical science, some treatments beyond medication can help manage symptoms. Different therapies and approaches work together to improve daily life, and the right approach depends on a person’s age and needs.
Here are some of the effective therapies for ADHD:
1. Speech Therapy
Speech therapy supports children with ADHD who struggle with communication, often due to co-occurring issues like language processing difficulties. It helps them articulate thoughts clearly, understand verbal instructions, and engage in conversations. For example, a child might practice pronouncing words or following multi-step directions through games, improving their ability to express needs in class or with friends.
2. Behavior Therapy
Behavior therapy, often based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), teaches children and parents strategies to encourage positive behaviors and reduce disruptive ones. Therapists use rewards, like stickers for completing homework, to reinforce habits like sitting still or following rules.
3. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps teens and adults with ADHD change negative thought patterns and develop practical skills. It teaches them to break tasks into smaller steps, manage time, and handle emotions like frustration. For example, a teen might learn to reframe “I’m bad at studying” to “I can study better with a plan.”
4. ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching provides personalized guidance for teens and adults to set goals and manage daily tasks. Coaches offer tools like planners or apps to improve time management and organization. For instance, a coach might help a student create a study schedule to meet deadlines.
5. Supportive Psychotherapy
This therapy offers a safe space to discuss feelings, challenges, and goals. It helps people with ADHD process emotions like low self-esteem or frustration from setbacks. A therapist might guide a teen to cope with feeling “different” due to ADHD.
6. Group Therapy
Group therapy brings people with ADHD together to share experiences and practice social skills. Activities like role-playing teach teens how to take turns, listen, or resolve conflicts, addressing social challenges common in ADHD. It reduces isolation, builds friendships, and improves teamwork skills.
7. Play Therapy
Play therapy uses games and toys to help young children with ADHD express emotions and learn self-control. For example, a therapist might use a puppet game to teach a child how to wait their turn or manage anger. It improves focus, emotional regulation, and social skills in a fun, non-threatening way.
8. Art Therapy
Art therapy lets kids and teens express feelings through creative activities like drawing or painting. A child might draw a picture to show frustration, helping them process emotions without words. It enhances focus, reduces stress, and builds self-esteem.
9. Holistic and Stage-Specific Approaches
ADHD symptoms and needs change with age, so therapists tailor therapies according to life stages. Young kids benefit from play or behavior therapy to build foundational skills, while teens and adults may use CBT or coaching for independence.
Therapists often take a holistic approach, combining therapies for better results. For example, a child might need behavior therapy to improve classroom behavior, speech therapy for communication, and play therapy for emotional expression.
These therapies help people with ADHD by improving focus, organization, social skills, and emotional health. They reduce frustration, boost confidence, and support success in school, work, and relationships.
Conclusion
Living with ADHD can be tough, impacting daily tasks that we can’t even imagine struggling with. Simple things like remembering homework, sitting still, or following a conversation can feel overwhelming for those with ADHD, yet we often take them for granted.
Through the lens of those affected, we have explored how ADHD affects life, listing its symptoms. We have also shared effective therapies and treatment approaches.
These treatments, whether medication, therapy support, or lifestyle adjustments work best in combination, ensuring a holistic approach to care. Since ADHD symptoms are different across age groups, therapy must be tailored to fit individual needs at different life stages.
If you’re looking for structured support, Kick Start Therapy offers personalized interventions to help individuals manage ADHD with confidence and stability.
FAQs
Can a Person with ADHD Have a Normal Life?
Yes, people with ADHD can live a normal, fulfilling life with proper support. Treatments like medication, therapy, and routines help manage symptoms. Early intervention helps 5.4% of youth with ADHD succeed in school, work, and relationships, using their creativity and energy to thrive.
What are the Disrespectful Behaviors of ADHD in Adults?
ADHD in adults can lead to unintentional behaviors like interrupting others, forgetting promises, or seeming distracted during conversations. These stem from impulsivity or inattention, not disrespect. Therapy and coaching help adults manage these behaviors, improving communication and relationships in personal and professional settings.
What Irritates ADHD People?
People with ADHD often get irritated by loud noises, interruptions, or disorganization, as these worsen focus issues. Waiting in long lines or unclear instructions can also frustrate them.
What are the Toxic Behaviors of ADHD?
Untreated ADHD can lead to toxic behaviors like impulsively snapping at others, procrastination, or neglecting responsibilities, which strain relationships. These aren’t intentional but result from poor self-regulation.
What Happens if ADHD is Left Untreated?
Untreated ADHD can lead to struggles like poor academic or job performance, low self-esteem, and relationship issues. In Canada, 65% of youth with ADHD face anxiety or depression if untreated. Early treatment with therapy or medication prevents these risks, supporting a balanced, successful life.